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Short Communication Volume 12 Issue 3
Communication accommodation theory in oncology nursing: a framework for patient-centred care in cancer
Suzanna Apostolovski, Howard Giles
Received: July 22, 2026 | Published: August 4, 2026
Citation: Apostolovski S, Giles H. Communication accommodation theory in oncology nursing: a framework for patient-centred care in cancer. Nurse Care Open Acces J. 2026;12(3):100-102. DOI: 10.15406/ncoaj.2026.12.00347
Abstract
Effective communication is vital for high-quality oncology nursing. This communication is necessary in influencing patients’ understanding, emotional well-being, treatment adherence, and overall patient experience. Oncology nurses occupy a unique position within multidisciplinary cancer care through their interactions with patients and families across the patient journey (e.g., diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care). Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) offers a practical framework for understanding how nurses can tailor communication to patients’ cognitive, emotional, cultural, and informational needs. This article explores the relevance of CAT to oncology nursing and highlights practical communication strategies and recommendations that can be applied to strengthen therapeutic relationships, improve patient-centred care, and support nursing education and leadership. Integrating accommodative communication approaches into oncology practice represents an important opportunity to enhance communication quality while promoting compassionate, equitable, and person-centred cancer care.
Keywords: communication accommodation theory, nursing, cancer, oncology, patientcentred care
©2026 Apostolovski, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.